Monumental Bratislava Castle, a Must See in Slovakia
We debated a lot while preparing the itinerary for Europe, whether Bratislava in Slovakia is worth visiting and including in trip plan. Is Bratislava safe for tourists? We were equally concerned about it. But reading about Bratislava city’s art, architecture, and history in addition to being surrounded by natural beauty of River Danube we decided to add the city to our trip plan.
The drive to Bratislava, Slovakia was a swift one. It took one and half hour by road from Vienna. The first place we targeted to see was monumental Bratislava Castle of Slovakia. The milky white fairy tale like castle is the most impressive and prominent symbol of Bratislava.
Not all the 4 towers of the main Castle are of same height. South-west corner one is the tallest and is named Crown Tower. I had read up that from the observatory here you can get a beautiful view of Bratislava city, Danube River and Austria.
Bratislava Castle History
The castle is located on a hill above the old town. Evidences found here point to the presence of human race. First known inhabitants were the Celts, who founded a fortified settlement here called ‘Oppidum’.
Let us see how the present structure of the castle took shape over the centuries
9th century – The first written reference to the city appears in the Annals of Salzburg
11th century – A stone palace and the church of St Saviour and its chapter were built on the castle hill.
15th century – During the reign of Sigismund of Luxembourg, a castle was built in Gothic style.
16th century – King Ferdinand ordered the rebuilding of the castle in the Renaissance style
17th century – the castle became the seat of hereditary provincial chief, Pálffy, it was rebuilt in the Baroque style.
Monumental Bratislava Castle Slovakia
A snow white rectangular structure perched on a small hill, it was visible from miles away as we were entering the city. There is no parking facility around so we had to park our car downhill and walk up along the marked path to reach Bratislava Castle. There are 4 entrance gates to the Castle. A walk up to the castle through the streets of old town is most rewarding in terms of sights.
Though the streets weren’t crowded and we saw very few locals around, we felt completely safe in the streets of Bratislava. I was on a clicking spree. See more pictures of graffiti/wall art that I captured during walking tour of Bratislava – Street Art on Walls of Bratislava. Also see the bronze statues we went searching for in the old town.
Graffiti old town Bratislava Slovakia
The area in front of the Castle carries is named Yard of Honor. On either side you will see 2 triumphal gates and guard houses of the imperial guard.
Triumphal gate of castle of Bratislava
This castle was devastated by fire in 1811, today’s version is the rebuilt form of the castle during 1953 to 1968. We walked up getting glorious views of Danube river flowing down beside the hill.
Our thrill died down soon because the castle was closed for further renovation. Unfortunately during our planning phase we came across no such information about the castle being closed for renovation. The museum too was closed. A sprawling green lawn studded with benches and standing lamps in the surrounding area gives the park a relaxing romantic atmosphere. Other tourists too were disappointed and wandered on the lawns, lined along the edge of the wall for stunning panoramic views.
Facade of the monumental Bratislava castle in Slovakia
Since 1968 the castle houses collections of the Slovak National Museum. The most attractive objects in the SNM-Historical Museum are goldsmith and silversmith works.
King Svatopluk Statue at Bratislava Castle.
We had crossed Novy Most-New bridge during the road trip. Read about the new bridge here –> Novy Most Slovakia
View of Novy Most-New bridge Slovakia
Bratislava Castle Opening Hours
Winters: November to March – open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, last entry at 4 PM
Summers: April to October – open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, last entry at 5 PM
Bratislava Castle ticket price: 6 EUR. You can enter free with Bratislava Card.
Conclusion
By end of tour of Bratislava we were amazed at the varied contrasting sights we got to see – the city still had its old pavements and gates while being home to ultra modern UFO like restaurant. It had quirky bronze statues and also the statues of Ice Hockey players. It was a rewarding trip in terms of the sights we got to see.
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I had no idea this was so close to Vienna. I am heading to Bratislava in June with my dad and will definitely be visiting this place. Looks fab
beautiful castle i wish to get here once
That's a beautiful place. I'm sorry you couldn't go in but you got some great shots.
Beautiful shots!
i hope to see more of your future travel photos.
sorry to hear about the renovation,
i've experienced that too, it can be disappointing, but i hope the tour was still worth it. ^0^
One word – Amazing!
Too bad the castle was closed. Interesting statues on the gate posts.
I loved the clouds floating in the backdrop.
Hi indrani
wonderful building
thanks
Oh no!!! 🙁 I'd really so irritating when we reach a destination only to see it closed!!! 🙁
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Very beautiful views and good text, Indrani. Thanks for sharing your nice trip!
The clouds and blue sky serve as a beautiful backdrop of the Castle. What a great day to be touring with you.
I so enjoy traveling the world with you Indrani through your beautiful photos, thank you!
Lovely. I love the red pop of colour against the blue sky.
Did you manage to meet Prince Charming and her princess in the castle? The skyphoto is beautiful. Have a nice weekend.
Wonderful castle and a lovely blue sky! Hope you are enjoying yourself.
I am so envious of you. Thanks for sharing these post. Looking forward to read more…
Enjoy
Great architecture.
Sydney – City and Suburbs
Beautiful shots, Indrani! The sky is very pretty!
what a shame. such a lovely day for castle visiting! lucky you that it not so vary far away to go back.
that is so very nicely captured. the castle and the backdrop of lovely cheerful cloudscape is fantastic.
Ewok
So pretty!!
Would you mind visiting and commenting on my Sky Watch post? Big thanks!
This is WAY COOL … not only your sky photos, but the whole castle and the walk up to it. I would love to go there someday, but I most likely won't be able too, so I really appropriate your telling us about it.
Take care,
Kathy M.
Central Oregon USA
A very informative post and great shots. Well done!
Too bad. But the pics are great!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Gorgeous skies and terrific captures as always, Indrani! I particularly love the last shot and your composition! Superb! Enjoy your weekend! Look forward to more photos of your trip!
Sylvia
Great photos!
lovely shots
Don't we just LOVE a beautiful blue sky??
That's an amazing shot!! I so love to see castles and know the history, it's really cool! Happy weekend!
Sky Watch
Such gorgeous captures.
My Skywatch, please come and see.